04/17/2026
It’s time to address chronic stress! Experiencing stressful situations is a part of navigating life. It’s something everyone will go through at some point, whether they’re coordinating a big move, starting a new job, or grieving a loss. In this way, feeling stress is a normal response to solving problems, coping, and adapting.
Chronic stress, however, is long-term stress that can deteriorate health over time. The CDC warns that stress can cause symptoms such as negative emotions, changes in appetite, apathy, concentration and decision-making issues, poor sleep, physical reactions like stomach and skin problems, worsening chronic health conditions, mental illness, and substance abuse.
It’s important that, even with ongoing stressors, you take steps to alleviate stress in healthy ways to improve overall health outcomes. Try identifying your stress triggers, then explore stress-management techniques that work for you. The CDC suggests meditating, journaling, enjoying outdoor activities, taking time for mindful relaxation, keeping a daily gratitude practice, connecting through positive social interactions, and avoiding negative activities like “doomscrolling.” Staying physically healthy also helps your resilience against stress, along with getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a nutritious diet, and avoiding substance abuse.
IHCRC offers a variety of prevention programs, behavioral health services, and support systems like monthly social gatherings, nutritional cooking demonstrations, and on-site fitness classes. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to struggle alone. Visit www.ihcrc.org to learn all of the ways we’re here to help.
